making matcha in space
The preparation of matcha is the central activity—if far from the only element—of the Way of Tea. So, has anyone made matcha in space? It turns out the answer is yes.
Searching based on this hint led me to a description on a now-defunct JAXA site:
JAXA Education Payload Observation (EPO) 'Preparing Matcha (powdered green tea) in space'* was performed in the Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo.
*Principal Investigator (PI): Yoichiro Kawaguchi, Professor, the University of Tokyo
'Preparing Matcha (powdered green tea) in space' is an observation theme which has two dimensions, Physics/Chemistry and art. In terms of the former, the experiment is an observational research of Physics/Chemistry phenomenon, which answers to a question by visualizing 'What if mixing the green leaf powder and water to foam a cup of Matcha in the microgravity environment'.
The latter looks for proper tea utensils and costume that will complement the Japanese traditional tea ceremony if performed in space in the future. It also aims to establish a preparation method of Matcha under the microgravity environment and test the feasibility of the space tea ceremony for the future. It is a unique experiment which also intends to introduce one of the traditional Japanese culture by holding a tea ceremony on the ISS.
The experiment was performed from 6:36 p.m. to 11:23 p.m. on September 21, 2011 on Kibo.
Special Message from Principal Investigator (PI), Prof. Yoichiro Kawaguchi
I'm happy that the microgravity tea ceremony experiment has been successfully performed. It surely will facilitate our research. Specially, transparent water refraction in the cup was breathtaking. Seeing the beautiful aggregation of water particles was the first experience for me. A beautiful aggregation of delicate bubbles of Matcha was just amazing. I have never seen such delicate bubbles before. It was also great that the CG designed Kimono was bright and floating, which made the atmosphere very impressive.
Prof. Kawaguchi watches for the experiment at the JAXA Flight Control Room (Credit: JAXA)
Preparing Matcha (powdered green tea) (Credit: Yoichiro Kawaguchi/JAXA)
